Our first day of traveling. I felt so clever bringing along our kid potty so that Zola and I could use it in the car when Dennis relieved himself outside. The first time I used it, Dennis looked at me and said with disgust, "mom, you're weird!" Hey whatever it takes to road trip with three kids alone. I wasn't about to bring all three in every time either Zola or I had to go. We would have made a lot of stops.
We stayed the first night in Saint Louis at my friend, Katie's house. While I was brushing my teeth before bed, Andrew rolled over for the first time!~ from his back to his tummy. I guess he really wanted to look down that vent.
Dennis and Winston are the same age and love the same things. Legos and Hockey. Too bad we live so far apart now.
We went to the zoo before hitting the road the next day. Nothing beats the Saint Louis zoo. I love it every time.
Zola, Dennis and Lizzy
Day two of our trip down to florida. We stayed close to Nashville.
Day three was getting pretty hot. We could tell we were getting close.
Andrew's first time in the pool. He loved it! who wouldn't? warm water and a warm grandma! He just kept kicking his legs. He remembers that feeling... and so do I! Andrew moved so much in the womb.
Zola isn't the most coordinated with edges. She often falls off of chairs, toilets, stools... you name it, she will fall off of it. So, I had to be super watchful with this gal. In fact, I left her on the stairs of the pool for a minute while pulling Dennis around on a floaty and when I turned back she was at the top of the stairs completely drenched and gasping for breath. Super scary. drowning is silent! I had no clue she went under.
We were so excited to meet up with our friends, the Bookers! Dennis and Eloise hit it off like we were still neighbors. I was a little worried. Dennis didn't remember his St. Louis friends and he definitely gets along better with boys these days because they play differently. But, Eloise was once again his best friend within an hour.
And of course Emily and I were as if we were never apart as well. Though we had lots to catch up on.
It was a pretty great vacation for me because every afternoon I got to leave Andrew to take his afternoon nap with grandma and I got to go down to the beach with the other two. They had a blast every day!
Jude and Dennis were pretty good friends as well. That is one thing that happens with time... the age gap lessens. Eloise wasn't feeling good one night so the boys got to ride the rides with Emily.
And Zola was ADORABLE on that carousel!
We bought Andrew a floaty and he totally enjoyed the pool! kicking, licking, and chilaxing.
Andrew is such a happy baby these days! He is especially happy when sitting up... so Here Grandpa was babysitting while taking a nap. :)
Pictures don't lie... the water is that pretty!
Her hair was so curly in that humidity! I loved it.
Andrew and Grandma joined us on the beach one day. Not very comfortable for Andrew... it was so bright and the wind was blowing... he never really got to relax.
... though he did take a quick nap.
sand castle after sand castle! Hole after hole... these kids never got tired of it.
Andrew proved to be a thumb sucker.
We got dolled up for a concert at Alys beach.
glow sticks, music and friends... I bet they ran a couple of miles around that field.
Zola never runs off very far, but when she does, everyone stares because she is so beautiful. She wore her long blue skirt (the one she wears every day) and as she walked through the crowd every head turned to see the little princess. She didn't have as much fun as the older kids. She cuddled up with grandma and said, "I wish everyone would just go home." While Dennis, Eloise, and Jude made new friends and played games with their glow sticks.
The next day Grandma and Grandpa went grocery shopping and I had to take all three of my kids to the beach without an umbrella and without friends (they went to St. Andrew's park- I've been there done that every year) So, I managed to make a tent with a towel to cover andrew as he slept.
Everyone needs a little break from the beach from time to time. They were so cute all sitting and watching Donald Duck together on Grandma's bed.
completely relaxed on grandma's shoulder while grandma does her water aerobics.
We had a really foggy day. It got worse than this at times.
eary looking out at the fog. Didn't stop us from playing all day. In fact, Dennis got a sunburn.
I love this girl. I so wish I could take her with me to Minnesota.
... and then the drive home begins (this time with movies).
We stopped in Nashville and St. Louis again. This time we stayed with our friends the Ereksons. This girl, Caroline, loves Dennis. She put hearts around his head on our Christmas card. They had a blast playing for a couple of days as well. Here they are star gazing.
Everyone wanted to hold Andrew! That was so awesome. Even Rock wanted a turn.
I think Lisa is going to have to give in and have another baby. It wouldn't be very hard with all of the help she has around.
Will, Caroline, Andrew, Julia, Rock, Dennis & Zola at the park.
Andrew got so spoiled!
Dennis has the coolest hair ever!!!
Saying good bye to all of our friends was not easy. We will have to visit Saint Louis again soon.
